Rainey v Mid & East Antrim Borough Council [2023]

Background:

The claimant was employed as a Statutory Finance Manager from 1^st July 2020 until his dismissal on 11^th January 2021.  The claimant’s employment was subject to a probationary period of six months.  All work at this time was being conducted remotely.

The claimant’s line manager did not formally raise any issues but did note at a meeting that she had often had difficulty getting hold of the claimant. Indeed, at that meeting she attempted twice to invite him to the Teams call and also tried to call his mobile without success.   Although the claimant was not due to attend that meeting he was required to be available on Teams during his working hours.  In